Newman News Term 1 Week 6: From the Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 11/03/2020

The start of the new year has been a wonderful opportunity to for students and staff to come together on camps, retreats and reflection days to build quality relationships, develop their independence and come to realise our place in our Marist family. Thank you to the staff for their commitment to these experiences and to the students for their energy, enthusiasm and participation.

Coronavirus (COVID 19) Update

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic. We are reminded that the risk of transmission in Australia remains low, the escalation in confirmed cases around the world, combined with the uncertainty surrounding the spread of the virus, is rightly creating concern for many in our communities.

The health and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our highest priority, we need to remain vigilant to any potential for increased risks and take precautionary measures to ensure the safest possible educational environment for children and young people.

College Tours and experiences to Italy, Singapore and the Marist Basketball Carnival in Adelaide have been cancelled as directed by Marist Schools Australia and Catholic Education Western Australia. We extend our thanks to all involved in the preparation and organisation of these opportunities and thank our families and their students for their understanding and support.

The Leadership Team is working to ensure we are prepared to support students in the event they are in isolation for a period of time, or the school is directed to close. In this event, parents will be informed and supported to ensure a continuation of learning, courses and units of work.

Protective Measures
Staff and students have been briefed on Protective Measures to ensure the highest standard of personal hygiene and care. These expectations have been explicitly taught to students. Staff have been advised they may choose to greet families and students rather than offer a handshake. This is simply to be vigilant with protective measures and demonstrate a high standard of personal hygiene.

The College cleaning contractors have been instructed regarding the need for antibacterial cleaning procedures.

It is the responsibility of all families to ensure they support the College regarding protocols of quarantine following international travel.

If Students are Unwell 
The College asks that students who are presenting with a fever or flu like symptoms stay at home until their symptoms are clear.

Notice from the Archbishop’s Office 
Directives regarding temporary Mass changes are in place as a result of Novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

International Travel 
Students or staff cannot attend school if they have:

  • left or transited through mainland China on or after 24 February, they must isolate themselves for 14 days from the date of leaving mainland China OR
  • left or transited through Iran on or after 1 March, they must isolate themselves for 14 days after leaving Iran; OR
  • left or transited through the Republic of Korea, on or after 5 March, they must isolate themselves for 14 days after leaving the Republic of Korea; and
  • been informed by public health authorities that they have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, must isolate themselves for 14 days after the date of last contact with the confirmed case.

Parents/carers are asked to notify Vice Principal Ms Lisa Fogliani if a student will be away for the isolation period and confirm the date on which they were last in the mainland China, Iran and the Republic of Korea. 

Students will be supported with alternative learning arrangements, keeping in mind that the isolation period, provided the person remains well, is a maximum of 14 days.

Children and staff do not require a medical certificate or clearance to return to school but must remain at home until 14 days after leaving mainland China, Iran or the Republic of Korea.

The following countries are listed as ‘Moderate Risk’. This means that students can attend school, but must self-monitor

  • Cambodia
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesia (including Bali)
  • Japan
  • Singapore
  • Thailand

Click here to access the most up to date list.

All International travel experiences for secondary students in 2020 have been cancelled.

College Communication
The College is prepared to communicate any updates to the wider community promptly and efficiently. The range of communication tools activated by the College include the College Newsletter, SMS, SEQTA messaging (email) and the College Social Media platforms.

Please view following documents for your information:

All large scale community events within the College and between schools and Colleges, are reviewed daily and we will take the required actions as directed by Catholic Education Western Australia and Marist Schools Australia. Parents will be advised of the outcomes of these decisions.

As we continue to respond to Novel coronavirus COVID-19 in our community, please be assured that the Department of Education, Marist Schools Australia, Catholic Education Western Australia, and the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia will continue to respond as a collaborative team to advice from the WA Department of Health and provide updated advice to schools and staff as appropriate.

The College contact for any inquiries relating to the Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is Vice Principal, Ms Lisa Fogliani.

Newman Parents – A Night with Dr Justin Coulson

A reminder to RSVP to the upcoming presentation by Dr Justin Coulson – Inside the Mind; Raising an emotionally intelligent Child

When: Wednesday 18 March, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Where: Newman College Auditorium, 216 Empire Avenue Churchlands
RSVP: jo.dunn@newman.wa.edu.au

This FREE session is for parents only. We hope that parents will use the information they learn to better educate themselves.

Newman College Production; Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
College Production

The College is proud to present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical; coming to the Marist Auditorium in April 2020.

Adapted by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, Matilda the Musical is a story of a special girl with an extraordinary imagination and proudly features a cast and crew comprising students from Years 5-12. Click here to read the full synopsis of the story.

Matilda the Musical will be performed over 5 days:

  • Wednesday 1 April, 6.30pm
  • Thursday 2 April, 6.30pm
  • Friday 3 April, 6.30pm
  • Saturday 4 April, 1.00pm (Matinee)
  • Saturday 4 April, 6.30pm
  • Sunday 5 April, 1.00pm (Matinee)

Tickets: Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) $80, Adult $29, Child/Concession $19

Click here to purchase tickets.

Code of Conduct

A reminder to all families that the Code of Conduct can be accessed via the College website. The Code is mandated by Catholic Education Western Australia and the application of the code extends to all staff, students, parents, guardians, caregivers and volunteers.

The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensuring confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are also bound by the Code of Conduct.

Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with any member of the Senior Leadership Team. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with one another.